Mr. Billy Ray Kent, 70, of Sumner passed into Glory on Aug. 19, 2022 while flying across the blue, cloud-streaked skies of Tallahatchie County.
Born on May 16, 1952, Mr. Kent attended and graduated from West Tallahatchie High School. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sumner, Mississippi.
As a lifelong Deltan, he was a man of great curiosity and achievement. Mr. Kent began earning his flying credentials in 1974. Once he earned his pilot’s license he went on to earn ratings for glider planes, aerobatic planes, a certification for tandem parachute jumping, and the honor of ACE Pilot of the Year. He had been an ag. pilot servicing Delta farmers, and best friends, for nearly five decades.
He was also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, pedal steel and bass guitar being what he was most known for. And, for over 25 years, as the bass player for Mike Ellis and the Hometown Band, he laid down the backbone for every house party, concert and festival the boys played. They were not just a band, but brothers.
A friend to all, he never met a stranger and always had a comforting smile or sturdy shoulder to offer anyone in need. He loved bird dogs and quail hunting. Some of his best times were spent chasing turkeys and hunting deer. Mostly, though, he loved to share the fields and woods with his friends, family and loved ones. He was especially passionate about sharing the outdoors with children.
Out of all his achievements and honors being Daddy, to Rayanne and Lena, was his most favorite. They, along with his grandsons, were the loves of his life. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. The impact he already had on his grandson’s lives was tremendous.
He is preceded in death by his father: Billy James Kent.
He is survived by his mother: Doris Kent, and his twin sister: Faye Gullette (Ted); his little sister Lessie Kent (Bill Waldrup) as well as his wife: Angie Hawkins Kent and her son: Jamie Mangum; his two daughters: Rayanne Hollis (Van) and their two sons: Kent and Burnham Hollis; and Lena Kay Koenig (Nick) and their son: Malone Koenig. He also leaves behind his former wife, the mother of his children, Becky Gourlay. These, and his host of best friends, will forever remember and cherish Billy Ray, whose heart was as big and beautiful as the skies of heaven he so loved.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, August 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the family’s home, 402 Cassidy St. Sumner, Ms.
A memorial service will be held at the Sumner Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 3 p.m. Immediately followed by an aerial flyover Missing man formation.
The memorial service will be streamed live on Facebook. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Super Hunt: Deer Hunts for Youth with Disabilities (www.southernoutdoorsunlimited.org), or CARES Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 142, Clarksdale, Ms. 38614).
